Dashcams are known by many names, including auto black boxes, crash cams, car DVRs, drive recorders, and more. We prefer ‘incident recorder’, but ‘dashcam’ seems to be the most popular. Whatever you prefer to call these devices, their function is to capture activity in and around your vehicle on video, so you can review the footage later and keep a copy, if necessary. The majority of systems on the market have a forward-facing camera that is placed either above the dashboard or just below the roof lining, looking out through the windscreen, in order to record what you see when you are driving. It is this placement near the dashboard that spawned the term ‘dashcam’. Rear-facing cameras are also becoming more and more popular; these are generally placed just inside the rear windscreen. Side-view cameras and interiorfacing cameras are also available; however, these are normally only used where there are special requirements and may be illegal to use under some circumstances. For example, taxis may have safety cameras installed that record the activity inside the taxi.

01.EVIDENCE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

There are many situations where having a recording of an incident can help you, from proving that you were not at fault in an accident to capturing a hit-and-run or other damage to your parked car. Having an actual recording of what really happened, rather than just a recollection, could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and countless hours, not to mention the emotional strain of trying to prove your innocence.

02.PROTECTION AGAINST INSURANCE FRAUD

You need only look as far as YouTube to get an idea of just how prevalent insurance fraud has become in some parts of the world. Imagine for a moment that you are stuck in traffic on a busy street. When you’re not stopped, you are barely moving at a walking pace. While you’re at a standstill behind another car, you suddenly see that car’s reverse lights come on, and it proceeds to back right into your vehicle! Once there has been contact between the vehicles, the driver of the car ahead of you gets out and says that you are fault because you were behind him when the contact occurred, but if you will pay him $500, he will let it go and not pursue it any further. This is a typical example of insurance fraud. Now, imagine if you had video evidence of everything that happened. As they say in the MasterCard ads, priceless!

03.MONITOR FOR ABUSE AND MISUSE

With a dashcam, you can get an idea of how your car is being treated when you entrust it to others, such as valets, service centres, friends or business associates. Most people will be careful and respectful of your pride and joy, but a dashcam can offer great peace of mind.

04.REPORT BAD DRIVERS

Sometimes other drivers make bad decisions on the roads. Whether it’s a poorly thought-out U-turn, excessive road rage, substandard driving in general, or downright stupid or dangerous manoeuvres, with a dashcam, you can do something about it.

05.RECORD YOUR FAVOURITE DRIVES

Life isn’t all doom and gloom, and a drive recorder can help you remember the good times, as well. Sometimes it’s nice to record an enjoyable drive through a favourite place, whether it be the desert, a snow-covered mountain range or your favourite race track.

06 CAPTURE FREAK OCCURRENCES

You never know when such things will happen, but capturing something weird or amusing on your car DVR could make you the next YouTube superstar!

01.FIRST, DECIDE WHAT YOUR REQUIREMENTS ARE. WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU WANT FROM YOUR DASHCAM?

Although the different types of dashcams are similar in many ways, they do vary, and knowing how you plan to use your incident recorder will help you choose the best one for your purposes. If you are looking for a system that will simply act as a recording device in case of an accident, you will want to look at high-definition recording systems. Such systems will give you great-quality, high-resolution video crisp enough to identify number plates. If you often drive at night, a very important consideration will be how well the system records at night. You will also want to make sure that the system is mounted in the best possible position to capture night-time recordings — high enough to avoid headlight glare from oncoming vehicles.

Do you want to capture footage if something happens to your car while it is parked? If so, you will want a system that can record events in parking mode and that will start recording if there is movement around the vehicle or an impact to the vehicle. You might also want more video storage capacity, and potentially even a backup battery system, if you tend to leave your vehicle for longer than just one or two days.

02.PAY ATTENTION TO PRACTICALITY, NOT GIMMICKY FEATURES.

Which features are you really going to use, and which are not necessary? For example, some systems can be easily removed for transfer between vehicles; they may use a suction cup mount that allows you to quickly detach the system. In reality, most people will not transfer a dashcam between vehicles every time they need it, and the time you really need it could be the time you forget to transfer it. Be practical when selecting features, and select those that you truly need and will really use.

03.CHOOSE A SYSTEM THAT WILL WORK WELL AND FIT WELL IN YOUR VEHICLE.

Most people don’t give this point much consideration. Although many systems call themselves ‘universal’ and are meant to fit most cars, you might want to see if there is a dashcam made just for your car, also known as an integrated system. An integrated system is designed specifically to suit your vehicle. It is much more likely to be discreet than other models, it will be mounted in the best possible position, and it won’t interfere with other systems in your vehicle. Provided that an integrated system meets all of your other criteria, it could definitely have some advantages over other options.

If you are looking for a system for use in a truck or other large vehicle, make sure the one you choose matches to the power output available. For example, don’t use a 12-voltcompatible system in your 24-volt truck.

04.CONSIDER THE REAL VALUE OF HAVING A DASHCAM.

Choosing a price point for a dashcam before considering its value to you can be a major mistake. So how do you put a value on a dashcam? Well, to begin with, a dashcam could quite easily save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair or insurance costs if it can help you prove that an accident was not your fault or if it helps identify a vehicle or person who has damaged your car while it was parked. It could also help you to tell if your vehicle has been abused or misused, whether it be by a service centre, a valet service or someone who has borrowed your car, and this could save you or help you recover thousands of dollars. Generally, it is much more valuable to have a system that works when you need it than to save a few dollars on the purchase price.

01.WHO WILL INSTALL THE SYSTEM?

It’s a good idea to know who will be installing your dashcam before you buy it. Check out the section on choosing between DIY or professional installation for more information.

02.IS THE SYSTEM RIGHT FOR YOUR VEHICLE?

Although many dashcams are advertised as being compatible with most vehicles, you might want to consider exactly where your system will be mounted and whether it is likely to interfere with anything else in the car. If you are looking to install a rear camera with your system, make sure that you can find a suitable mounting position for that, too. For example, if you have a convertible, it might be difficult to mount the rear camera optimally, as your rear windscreen will move when you put the roof down.

03.TO INTEGRATE OR NOT TO INTEGRATE?

There may be an integrated dashcam available for your vehicle. Because this type of system is built specifically to suit your vehicle, it will generally be much more discreet and will be less likely to interfere with other vehicle systems. It is also more likely to require professional installation.

04.FRONT OR FRONT/REAR COVERAGE?

Certainly a front-facing dashcam will record anything that happens in front of your vehicle, but the more areas you have covered, the more likely it is that you will capture that crucial piece of video that makes your dashcam a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend using a front and rear (two-channel) camera system to get the best coverage and value from your dashcam.

05.WHAT SIZE AND TYPE OF MEMORY CARD DO YOU NEED?

Many dashcams come without an SD card, meaning you will need to factor in that cost separately. It is generally better to purchase a system that includes an SD card, because the dashcam and SD card will have been tested for compatibility. If you spend a lot of hours driving, it might be worthwhile to upgrade to a larger capacity SD card. We recommend a card with a minimum of 32GB memory.

06.RESOLUTION: HD OR BETTER?

Your car DVR system should be capable of clearly recording details such as number plates. For such purposes, high-definition resolution (720p) is the absolute minimum you should consider, but we recommend Full HD (1080p). Higher resolution systems are becoming available, but the higher the resolution, the less recording time you will have, so going for the absolute highest resolution available is not always the best choice.

07.OBVIOUS OR DISCREET?

If you would like your dashcam to act as a deterrent, it should be visible for all to see, so you might be better off choosing a system that is larger and more obvious or one that has a flashing security LED light to let everyone know it is operating. The downside of this, of course, is that the dashcam may actually attract more attention to your vehicle, especially when it is parked. If you would prefer to be more discreet, choose a slim-line system or an integrated system, and disable the security LED function if there is one.

08.ARE YOU PURCHASING FROM AN APPROVED RESELLER?

You should purchase your dashcam system from an official reseller to get the best available warranty and backup service. If you are getting your system professionally installed, it is best to purchase it from the same place where you are having the installation done. That way, if something does go wrong, there will be no question about who needs to fix it. Also, you may find that approved resellers offer a longer warranty period than other suppliers, because they have the full support of the system’s distributor or manufacturer.

09.HOW EASY IS IT TO OPERATE?

You shouldn’t need to fiddle with your dashcam system while you are driving. The main recording features should be automatic, so the system does not distract you while you are driving.

10.WILL THE DASHCAM REMAIN SECURE IN AN ACCIDENT?

What will happen to the dashcam in the event of an accident? Will it stay securely in place or become a dangerous missile? It is important that your dashcam adds to your confidence while you are driving your vehicle and does not become a safety risk. Some systems are permanently mounted, in which case you should make sure that the mounting system is solid. For mounting systems that use double-sided tape or adhesive to mount, look for a well-known brand such as 3M, which is generally considered to be great option. If you are considering a system with a suction-cup mount, make sure it will be solid. It is worthwhile to check the strength of the mount every four weeks and to remount the system if necessary.

01.BUILT-IN BATTERY OR CAPACITOR

This feature allows the dashcam to save video recordings even if power is lost. It means that the last segment of video to be recorded before power is lost can be saved to memory before the system shuts down. This is an important feature, because the last video segment may be the most important.

Built-in backup batteries are generally more cost-effective than other types, and they will work fine initially. Over time, though, these small batteries will degrade due to constant charging cycles and will become ineffective. Capacitors are generally a better option and will continue to work effectively for many years.

02.AUTO-RECORDING

An auto-recording system starts continuous recording automatically whenever the vehicle is switched on and will generally stop recording after the vehicle is switched off. This avoids the problem of forgetting to turn the system on and thus not capturing an incident on the road. It’s the reason that a GoPro is not generally considered to be a good option for a dashcam.

03.MOTION-DETECTION RECORDING

This feature is sometimes referred to as ‘parking mode’. It is designed capture events that happen while the vehicle is parked. If motion-detection recording is used while the vehicle is parked, you should also have active power monitoring, so the additional drain on your car’s battery does not cause it to go flat over time.

04.CONTINUOUS-LOOP RECORDING

Systems with continuous-loop recording are able to overwrite older recordings stored in memory or on an SD card. With this feature enabled, you will never run out of storage space. Most systems have this feature, but there are a couple of extra considerations to keep in mind when using it.

• If your system uses SD card storage, you should format the SD card at least once per month. This will keep the SD card operating at its best, as the reformatting procedure deletes everything on the card, including any recordings that might have been saved in such a way as to not be overwritten. Regular reformatting of your SD card ensures that the card has the maximum amount of space available for recording.
• If you drive a great deal, use a larger SD card, so that it will be longer before your recordings are overwritten. For example, with an SD card that supports about eight hours of recording, someone who drives around two hours per day will have approximately four days of recordings saved to the SD card at any given time. Doubling the size of the SD card could extend this to eight days and would also leave more room for recordings generated in parking mode or by impact.

05.IMPACT DETECTION / G-SENSOR

Whether your car is driving or parked, a recording that is initiated because of impact detection, also known as a G-sensor trigger, will normally be saved as a more permanent type of file. This means that if a an incident occurs, the recording won’t be overwritten by the continuous-loop recording feature. For example, if your car is parked and someone runs into your car and causes damage, but you don’t notice it for a few days, the recording will still be there even though other recordings from that day might have been overwritten. Of course, not all systems work the same way, so it is worthwhile to find out exactly how the feature works in any system you are considering.

06.REMOVABLE MEMORY CARD

A removable memory card is a great advantage in a dashcam. Using a removable memory card allows you to:

• Quickly and easily replace the memory card if it develops a fault.
• Upgrade to a higher capacity card if you ever need more recording time.
• Easily reformat the card to maintain optimal operation or to remove recordings.
• Transfer the files to another device so that you can view specific recordings.

07.ACTIVE POWER MONITORING

This feature is highly recommended if your dashcam can be activated at any time other than when you are driving. It monitors the voltage of the vehicle’s battery and shuts the dashcam off once the battery voltage goes below a certain point. More advanced systems give you the ability to choose the shut-off voltage. For example, you might want the system to shut down at 11.6, 11.8 or 12 volts, depending on the size and capacity of your vehicle’s battery.

01.GPS LOCATION AND SPEED

A GPS-enabled dashcam can be used to trace exactly where your vehicle has been. Some models also display the vehicle speed at the time of recording. If you want to know where your vehicle has been, at what time, and how fast it was going, this could be a worthwhile feature.

02.WI-FI CONNECTIVITY

Connecting to your dashcam by Wi-Fi is a convenient way of checking your video files and uploading them to another device without removing the SD card. It can be especially helpful when setting up nonintegrated systems, as you can get a live camera view and ensure that you have the camera correctly positioned.

If your system has cloud connectivity, Wi-Fi will also allow it to upload files directly to the cloud while you are driving and, in some cases, will make it possible to locate your vehicle. For these features to work properly, you will need to also run a Wi-Fi hotspot in the vehicle, as most smartphones can do. Be careful about uploading all your files this way, as it can use quite a bit of data and can end up being costly if you don’t have a sufficiently large data plan.

03.COMPUTER COMPATIBILITY

Whether you typically use Windows, Mac or another operating system, you will want to make sure that the auto black box system you purchase offers a suitable way to view your recorded video files on your computer.

04.AUDIO RECORDING

When it comes to recording audio, most countries have laws that govern what can be recorded and how. Recording someone without his or her knowledge or consent can be against the law, so be aware of the local laws and make sure you are in compliance. Generally, it is not illegal to record your own conversations or those of someone who knows that recording is taking place. Most systems that include an audio recording feature also have a means of disabling it, if necessary.

05.EXTERNAL BACKUP BATTERY

Not to be confused with an internal backup battery, an external backup battery is handy if you plan to leave your car for several days at a time with motion-detection recording or parking mode active. For this type of use, we recommend upgrading to larger memory storage to prevent your recorded video files from being overwritten before you get a chance to review them. We also recommend using active power monitoring, because once the backup battery is depleted, the system will revert back to using the vehicle’s battery.

06.MANUAL RECORDING MODE

This feature gives you the ability to manually initiate video recordings, even while the system is already recording in continuous mode. Recordings initiated in this way will be saved separately from the continuous-loop recording files, so they will not be overwritten as quickly.

Your decision of whether to go with professional installation or to install your dashcam system yourself should play a part in your choice of car DVR, as some systems are much more suitable for DIY installation, particularly for people who don’t have much experience integrating electronic systems into cars. If you intend to have your system professionally installed, check our tips for choosing an installer.

There are some benefits to each choice, but in general, you should only attempt to do the installation yourself if you are confident in your abilities. You will need to be able to install your dashcam so that it will work properly when you need it to, and that will require at least a basic understanding of electronics and your car.

1. Choose a dashcam with simple cable routing and connection options to make the installation easier. For example, look for a system that comes with a connection that will fit straight into your vehicle’s power socket.
2. Make sure that cables are routed away from moving parts, such as the steering wheel, and keep them clear of the vehicle’s airbags. If you will be working close to any airbags, it is a good idea to disconnect the battery before starting. Secure the cabling so that it will not interfere with your driving. If you are hiding cables, figure out which trims need to be removed and, if you are unsure of how to remove them, refer to a manual for your vehicle that provides detailed assembly and disassembly instructions.
3. Ensure that your dashcam is mounted so that no part of the system will obstruct your view through the windscreen.
4. Always consider worst-case scenarios. For instance, will the dashcam be completely secure if you are in an accident, or could it detach from its mount and potentially cause injury? Could the wiring be dislodged and become a driving hazard?

01.GET A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INSTALLATION.

A good technician should be able to guide you through the installation process in as much detail as you like, and the explanation should make sense to you. Ask as many questions as you need to, and if you are not confident in the answers you get, seek advice elsewhere.

02.DOES THE INSTALLER HAVE EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH YOUR VEHICLE MODEL?

All vehicles are different. The more technology that is built into a vehicle, the more complex it becomes and the more care is required when working on it. Make sure that your installer understands your vehicle and knows how to get support if necessary. Some car dealerships will recommend technicians who already have experience with your vehicle. Many mistakes can be avoided just by having a solid understanding of the vehsicle, including how it is assembled and disassembled and how its electronics systems operate. Although installing a dashcam might seem like a relatively simple and straightforward task, it is important to remember that the wiring may run close to airbag systems, other electronics systems, and near areas where water can enter the vehicle. Unfortunately, it is often what we can’t see that is most vital, and sometimes we may never know there is a problem until it is too late.

03.CHOOSE SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS AND HAS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH THE PRODUCT YOU WANT INSTALLED.

There are plenty of self-appointed experts out there, many of whom have very little experience or knowledge. A good question to ask is, ‘Which dashcam do you use in your own vehicle and why?’ This will give you an idea of whether your ‘expert’ really knows what he or she is talking about or is just trying to sell you something.

04.DON’T MAKE YOUR DECISION ON PRICE ALONE.

Many people set their pricing expectations first and then go about trying to negotiate the best deal. Price should really be determined by factors such as the amount of time the job is likely to take, the level of quality that you expect from the finished product, how much experience your installer has, and how confident you are that you will you will receive backup service down the track if you ever need it. If you have found someone who can tick all of the boxes, it might be worthwhile to pay that installer a little bit more to complete the job properly in the first place, rather than go with someone else based on the price and potentially be liable for more costs in the future. Also, make sure that your installer has been able to meet your other installation criteria before considering price.

05.MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE CONFIDENT IN THE INSTALLER’S EXPERTISE AND FACILITIES.

Ask to have a quick look at the installation facilities. Recommendations from others in the industry, such as car dealerships, manufacturers or industry peers, can be a good indication, especially when the person or company referring you is not being paid for the recommendation.

06.MAKE SURE THE INSTALLER PRIORITISES WARRANTY AND BACKUP SERVICE, NOT JUST THE SALE.

Check whether your installer provides any warranty for the installation, and ask about the company’s policy for dealing with complaints and problems. In some cases, you might be able to do some research to make sure that previous customers have been happy with the service they have received. The warranty for the installation should at least match the warranty for the product you have chosen. Another important point is that it is generally much easier to deal with any warranty issues down the track if you purchase your dashcam from the same company that installs it. This way, if there is an issue, you can deal with one point of contact, regardless of whether the issue is product- or installation-related.

07.ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS UP FRONT.

You will never regret asking the difficult questions before you purchase. If you feel it is necessary, get prices and other assurances in writing, and include the name of the person with whom you spoke and that person’s position. This will make it much easier to ensure that when you come back to make your purchase, you get the agreed-upon price and service.

REMEMBER THAT IF YOUR DRIVE RECORDER IS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND DOESN’T RECORD WHAT YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT, THE WHOLE EXERCISE OF FINDING, PURCHASING AND INSTALLING IT WILL HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE WASTE OF YOUR TIME AND MONEY.